Mark Sidran Subject Files

Series — Box: 34

Identifier: 4400-02

Staff Only

Scope and Contents note

Sidran's subject files cover the routine work of the City Attorney's Office as well as specific programs and priorities of the agency during his tenure. A program to impound the cars of persons caught driving with suspended licenses is documented extensively. His office's work on problem nightclubs is also covered, including both general policy initiatives and files on specific clubs. Materials on the street civility laws include a good deal of correspondence and feedback from citizens and businesses. Other topics covered in depth include parks exclusion, land use code enforcement, graffiti, and liquor issues.

Dates

Creation: 1990-2002

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Law Dept. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Biographical Note

Born in 1951, Mark Sidran grew up in Seattle's Seward Park neighborhood, attending Franklin High School and serving as president of his senior class. After earning a BA in government at Harvard, he received his law degree from the University of Washington in 1976. He worked for the King County Prosecutor's Office from 1975 to 1985, and was a partner in the law firm of McKay & Gaitain from 1986 to 1989. In 1990, he became Seattle's City Attorney, holding that office through 2001.

During Sidran's tenure, one of his signature issues was the impoundment of cars of people caught driving with suspended licenses. He endorsed the law as promoting responsibility and increasing public safety, while his critics claimed the practice disproportionately affected the poor. Sidran's advocacy of "civility laws" - ordinances outlawing aggressive panhandling and sitting on sidewalks - caused a great deal of controversy, as did his crackdowns on problem nightclubs.

In 2001, Sidran chose to run for mayor instead of seeking a fourth term as city attorney. After losing the mayoral race to Greg Nickels, Sidran practiced with McKay Chadwell and served as chair of the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission. He ran unsuccessfully for Washington State Attorney General in 2004.

Historical Note

The Law Department represents the City in all legal matters and litigation, provides legal advice and opinions to City departments and agencies, and is responsible for prosecuting violations of City ordinances in Municipal Court. The position of City Attorney was established in 1875. The 1890 City Charter created the Law Department headed by the Corporation Counsel. The title was changed to City Attorney in 1977.